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Lucy runs a jewellery
business from home at Bromley in Kent. Lucy launched her business
on August 13th 2006.
Tell us about your business or work.
What business field are you in and what is your role?
I design and make beaded jewellery. I have
always strived to bridge the gap between high street costume jewellery
and fine jewellery. I have recently launched my new business and
website www.chutneybeads.co.uk
where I hope to make my affordable designs accessible to all.
What inspired you to work from home?
I wanted to do something I am passionate about,
without compromising quality time with my husband and daughter.
I woke up one day and decided to go for it and here I am!
 What
is the best thing about working from home?
Being able to plan my own day. I can also
fit my part-time job and my college course around it.
What is the hardest thing about working
from home?
I find it hard to walk away and leave my business
for a few minutes – I love working on it! My daughter demands
a lot of my attention and it is hard to talk to customers when she
is around. Also, I am always finding beads everywhere – my
carpet sparkles!
Do you have a good support network?
Yes, my husband has been incredibly supportive
and has always believed in me – this has given me a huge amount
of confidence in both myself and my work. I have also made some
great online friends along the way who have been a tremendous help
to me. It certainly doesn’t feel like I am working on my own.
What is the best piece of business
advice that you have been given?
Know your market. Don’t try to be all
things to all people – you will never please everyone. Stick
with what you believe in and what you are good at and don’t
deviate. And enjoy it.
Do you find it easy to separate working
time and personal time at home?
No! This is something I need to work at. I
need to learn to leave my desk or my jewellery and forget about
it for a few hours! I think when I am more established I can work
more regular hours.
Where do you hope to see yourself
in 2 years time and what is your greatest business wish or ambition?
I hope to be running a thriving business.
I really want to work on some new design ideas that I have and keep
Chutney Beads evolving. The thought of earning a living from something
that I love is very exciting and liberating!
Do you have tips or advice that would
be useful to anyone wanting to work from home or start up their
own business?
Plan everything in advance. Carry a little
notebook around with you and write all your ideas down. Talk to
people and bounce your ideas off them. Don’t start anything
until you have a clear business plan. Know your market and watch
your budget. Try and create a strong, coherent brand (this should
be communicated in every piece of your business, from business cards
to website).
Chutney Beads'
passion for beads and jewellery is demonstrated in their designs.
Each bracelet, necklace or pair of earrings is unique, and made
with the best quality beads and materials they can find. The designs
are simple, affordable and bold. They can also work on custom items
at a customer’s request. Customer service is incredibly important
to Chutney Beads, orders are packaged beautifully and P&P is
free on all orders. www.chutneybeads.co.uk
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